RTL Group is to combine its digital video business in the Nordics (United Screens) with Divimove, RTL Group’s Berlin-based digital video company.
In addition, it plans to integrate the Dutch RTL MCN into the combined entity. According to RTL, this will make Divimove Europe’s leading digital studio and home for digital content creators. It will represent more than 1,000 talents in nine European countries which currently generates 3.2 billion online video views per month.
Tobias Schiwek will continue to serve as CEO of Divimove and will also lead the integration process of Divimove, United Screens and RTL MCN. In his enlarged responsibility, he will report to RTL Group’s executive committee, effective immediately. Natalie Tideström Heidmark will continue to serve as CEO of United Screens, reporting to Schiwek.
RTL Group’s executive committee has also approved a growth plan to significantly expand Divimove’s capabilities in the areas of talent management, production of short-form video content, advertising sales and technology/data. Driven by the planned investments, the combined company’s revenue is expected to double to more than €100 million by 2022.
Commenting on these developments, Thomas Rabe, CEO of RTL Group, said: “RTL Group’s digital video businesses have built significant reach among young audiences which are highly sought after by advertisers. We have now defined a new structure and strategy to convert the rapid growth in short-form video consumption into a profitable business: we are bundling our strengths into one company with a hands-on management team, we are investing in talent, creativity and technology – and we are bringing the cooperation within our Group to the next level. Thus, Divimove will also work closely with BMG and the Bertelsmann Content Alliance in Germany.”
